Regional 2 Tribute South West: Burnham-on-Sea 35-41 Newton Abbot

BURNHAM-on-Sea RFC put in a much improved performance at the weekend but were still narrowly beaten at home by Newton Abbot.

The match finished 35-41 in favour of the visitors in the Regional 2 Tribute South West.

In the match both sides were able to score plenty of points with defence being the area that was lacking and ultimately that cost Burnham.

There was a welcome return to both Samuel Everett and Tom Stevens after a lengthy lay off and Brandon Pettitt returned to the bench.

The away team took the lead nine minutes in with the opening try however soon after Scott Havercroft converted a penalty and it was 3-5.

Burnham took the lead not long after when Ryan Beard bashed his way through the Newton defence and Havercroft converted for 10-5.

The topsy turvy match continued as after a penalty and a try out wide, Newton retook the lead and it was 10-15.

The visitors began dominating the game midway through the first half and another try took it to 10-22.

Burnham did score another penalty before half time to make it 13-22 at the break and plenty for Burnham to do in the second period.

Early in the second half Newton were once again on the attack and aother try increased their lead to 13-29.

Burnham were not ready to lay down though and they began mounting a come back.

It started with a perfect drive in the scrum and number eight Jordan Cooper went over to score and Havercroft missed the conversion so it was 18-29.

The next five minutes were frantic as Newton Abbot scored but Burnham responded immediately to take the score to 23-41.

Burnham would keep Newton Abbot out for the rest of the game though as the hosts were pushing to get the scores level.

Ryan Beard crossed over for his second as the clock was starting to run out and the score was 28-41.

Then, with the minutes fading, Havercroft found himself out on the wing and he made the most of the space to go over the line to score and convert his own try to push the score to 35-41.

From here, Burnham went on a mad dash forward, spreading the ball wide and quickly to try and force another try which would, if converted, seal the win.

However, Newton Abbot shut up shop and the stubborn defence held on to secure a five point win for the visitors.

The result means Burnham stay bottom of the table and searching for a win to snap their current form.

Up next for the Stags is an away trip to take on Somerset rivals Chard RFC on Saturday, January 20.